It is a well known fact in our division that we are behind the ball on transport and infrastructure, especially in the northern suburbs. As your Councillor, I will advocate for better outcomes when it comes to increasing our public transport. We have seen it work well in Division 1 where funding was secured to increase and improve the bus routes in the area. On top of this, I will continue to seek better outcomes for our road network. A combination of a healthy public transport network and well planned roads will see a drop in congestion. This will not happen overnight, but over time we will see the benefits. 

In Division 2 we have a number of facilities that have played a key role in supporting our community. From parks and footpaths, right through to sporting/recreational facilities to an improved CCTV network. It will be my job as your Councillor to advocate for better outcomes for our facilities and making sure that these facilities will help to enhance our community and provide a sense of safety for the community.

Having worked in the community in a volunteer and vocational capacity, I have seen first hand the effects of not having facilities and infrastructure that enhance accessibility for all people and age groups. I will be looking to repair and replace many of our outdated and footpaths with in the Division, while also looking to install sections of footpaths that should be in place to make mobility and accessibility achievable for everyone.

With the rapid growth happening in Division 2, it is essential that we boost essential services to cater for the growth. These include public transport, local facilities catering for all abilities, rubbish, water and sewerage, and parks. It will be my job to continue advocating for better outcomes for essential services for residents of Division 2. Another key issue that I will be advocating for better outcomes is for improved CCTV network. Currently we have a number of hotspots in the Division that are prone to illegal dumping and illegal activity. It is my job to advocate for a safer community. 

Having grown up in Division 2, i have seen what community connection can look like and the results that has on residents. Since COVID, I have found that Community with in Division 2 is growing to what it was beforehand. One such example of that, is the recent storms that had a devastating impact on residents. I would like to see a community where people feel like they belong and are cared for. As Councillor it will be my role to advocate for better community connection and events. It will be my job to see advocate for community groups, so that they can continue to serve their communities. It will be my job to advocate for our sporting and special interest groups and their needs, to help further support our community. Through regular community events and connects, we can see our community flourish!

We have a number of sporting groups in Helensvale that are looking to upgrade their facilities to cater for better outcomes for grassroots sports. This is also an opportunity to support young women and girls to participate in sports, when it has otherwise been limiting for them. As your local Councillor, it would be my role to help facilitate that change and support more women in sports. Local sports also plays a key role in supporting our young people, helping to encourage more and more young people into an active lifestyle. 

I will also be advocating that we bring Pickleball to the Division. We have a number of spaces in Helensvale, Oxenford and Hope Island that can be used to facilitate and support up and coming Pickleball groups. It is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. The best part is, anyone can play it!

Our local Scout Den in Helensvale is an opportunity for our younger generation to gain vital skills that will continue to serve them well into their adult years. They continue to foster and create genuine community, learning new skills together and suppoirting each other. The Den is in need of many upgrades and the Scout Group is in need of crucial resources to help continue their crucial work with our young people. On top of this they are needing a replcaement CCTV for Shepparton Road, as the end of the street has become a hot spot for illegal dumping and illegal activities. As Councillor it is my job to help facilitate a safe and well resourced facility for our Scouts. 

Having connected with local residents, I have heard time and time again that road safety is an issue in a number of areas in Helensvale. I will be advocating for better outcomes when it comes to solutions for road safety. Speeding and hooning behaviour is an issue that needs to be dealt with. It is up to Local Council to do what they can to help deter these issues. I have had a number of viable options mentioned to me that I plan to follow up on and implement. 

Every other neighbouring Division in the Northern Gold Coast has a youth program either after school, during school holidays, or both. I will be advocating that we have a dedicated youth program and youth space in Division 2. Youth crime is out of control in Division 2, and while we can't stop it or control it at the Local Government level. We can do our part to support our young people to choose a better path where they feel cared for and a sense of belonging. I Also know that we have one of the largest High Schools on the Gold Coast, soit will be my job as Councillor to provide an effective youth program and facility for those young people. 

We have seen recent plans for an upgrade to Discovery Park, along with a number of dog parks in other areas. On top of this I will be looking into what we can do to increase the safety of the Helensvale skate park and any necessary upgrades to other park facilities in Helensvale.. I will advocate to see these new projects are underway and finished in a timely fashion. I will also be advocating and consulting with the community to see where we can be adding in more fenced off dog parks with in Helensvale.

School zones are a busy place during the drop off and pick up times. I will be advocating to help improve the safety of our school zones with a number of measures that will make it safer for our students at Helensvale State High School and Helensvale State School. 

Oxenford is home to The Coomera Hope Island Cricket Club and the Coomera Cubs Baseball Club. Both of these groups offer great opportunities to our younger generation. I will work closely with the groups and advocate for what they need. One such example is to implement more car parking at Gambamora Park on Riversdale Road and Oberon Way. It has been brought to my attention that cars are lining the streets on both sides of the road, which makes it a safety issue for people to use that road while games are being played at the Coomera Cubs Baseball field.

I will also be advocating that we bring Pickleball to the Division. We have a number of spaces in Helensvale and Oxenford that can be used to facilitate and support up and coming Pickleball groups. It is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. The best part is, anyone can play it!

Currently, the Oxenford Men's Shed is using a building that has been listed as condemned. in 2023, Council commited to supporting the Oxenford Men's Shed with $450,000 to build a new shed, container storage and new gardens. This is expected to happen in Oxenford Sports Park, next to where the current shed is located. As Councillor I will fully endorse this decision and personally oversee the building process to ensure that the Oxenford Men's Shed gets what they need. 

Damian Leeding Memorial Park is one of the most popular parks in Division 2. It is used by many local residents, local sporting groups and the Southport Yacht Club. Being home to 8 different rowing groups, the Southport Yacht Club is looking to upgrade their facilities to cater for the rowing groups, on top of their learning to sail programs. I will be advocating for an upgrade to facilities, allowing the Southport Yacht Club to cater for the rowing groups and events. 

On top of this, because of the high volume of residents utilising the walking path, fenced off dog park and other facilities, an upgrade to the car parking is essential. As it stands, it is almost impossible to find a safe car park during peak use times, leaving people to either park illegally or leave. I will be advocating to significantly increase the car parking which will mean safer parking and less congestion of streets in Regatta Waters estate. I will also be advocating to install a set of traffic lights at the entrance of Michael Shelley Way, which will make it safer to enter and exit the carpark onto Heathwood Drive. 

One of my main concerns for the area is the lack of maintenance for the facilities at The Village Park in Studio Village. If elected to be the next Division 2 Councillor, I will be advocating for a replacement of the fencing and resurfacing of the tennis court, more shade structures as one is not enough, and water bubblers/stations for people to access while they are participating in physical activity within the park, and lastly a fenced off dog park. On top of this, I will advocate that during resurfacing, Council will add in lines for Pickleball courts on the tennis court. 

Both, The Meeting Place and Village Community Services play a key role is supporting local residents in Division 2 and surrounding Divisions. There are a number of services such as emergency food relief, parent play groups, parent support groups, free or low cost counselling services, and other community services available for residents. As the Local Councillor, it is my role to champion these amazing programs that happen and to continue advocating for more support from Council to help these centres continue the work they do for our community. Along with this, I will be advocating for any necessary upgrades to the centres as well. 

I too have tried to cross this road many times, worried for my safety. I will be advocating for a zebra crossing to help residents to safely cross the road. Especially those who may have walking aids and mobility issues. As Councillor, it is my job to advocate for the safety of residents.